Certified Nurse Anesthetist Lester Schmitt Honored with Advanced Practice Clinician Excellence Award

Cooperstown, NY — Earlier this summer Bassett Healthcare Network granted Lester Schmitt its Advanced Practice Clinician (APC) Award of Excellence in recognition of the creativity, curiosity, and compassion he applies to his work with Bassett patients and caregivers. Schmitt is a Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA) who serves patients at hospitals across Bassett Healthcare Network.

Bassett established its Advanced Practice Clinician Award of Excellence to recognize an outstanding practitioner who demonstrates clinical acumen, a commitment to teaching and fostering knowledge, and one who inspires others through leadership, community involvement, and advocacy. As part of this award, a Bassett Healthcare Network fund of the recipient’s choosing will receive a $5,000 stipend from the Dr. Walter Franck Excellence in Medical Education Award & Fund. Schmitt has chosen to have this year’s stipend split with $4,000 going to the BMC Fieldstone Assistance Program, which helps Bassett Medical Center employees with emergency financial needs, and $1,000 to Bassett’s Cherry Valley-Springfield School-Based Health Center.

“Over the last 40 years, Lester has not only cared for countless numbers of Bassett patients, but he has helped shape anesthesiology at Bassett,” says Henry Knoop, PA, Bassett Healthcare Network’s Chief Advanced Practice Officer. “He’s also an excellent member of any surgical team he is on. His knowledge, insight, and calm demeanor are an asset in the operating room.”

As an anesthetist, Schmitt is not used to the attention that comes with receiving such an award and even finds it a bit embarrassing. “As a CRNA, I’m a support person, not a lead person. No one comes to the hospital purely to receive anesthesia. They come for a procedure, surgery, or birth. My role is to help them through that process.”

Nevertheless, Schmitt’s nomination describes how his work has shaped Bassett surgical procedures for the better. “Whenever logistical challenges arise in our department, Lester's innate engineering skills produce creative solutions,” says his nomination. These solutions have included introducing new anesthesia approaches to surgery procedures, improving the layout of lab workstations, and building new tools for developing operating room skills.

Schmitt describes the opportunities for creative problem solving among his favorite parts of being a CRNA. “Every patient is different—there are no cookie cutter solutions,” he explains. “You have to consider each person’s allergies, prior conditions, and particular situation to decide exactly how to provide anesthesia that is safe and highly effective.”

Schmitt’s nomination also highlights his skills as a teacher, whether he is explaining pain pathways or a procedure to an experienced colleague, a medical student, or a curious high school student. “His ability to convey complex anesthetic principles at the level of the learner is unmatched,” the nomination explains. Schmitt has also designed simulations for more hands-on learning.

In the end, what Schmitt enjoys most about anesthetics is helping people. 

“My job is both high touch and high tech. I meet with people who are stressed right before a difficult surgery, and I get to help them calm down. Over the last 42 years, I’ve also seen technology develop that makes anesthesia so much safer and more sophisticated. I can now help sicker people with greater success. I’m glad to do this.”

About Bassett Healthcare Network

Bassett Healthcare Network is an integrated health system that provides care and services to people living in a 5,600 square mile region in central New York. The organization includes five corporately affiliated hospitals, over two dozen community-based health centers, more than 20 school-based health centers, two skilled nursing facilities, and other health partners in related fields. To learn more about services available throughout the Bassett Healthcare Network, visit www.bassett.org. Follow Bassett on Facebook, X, and LinkedIn. Bassett Healthcare Network is an equal opportunity provider and employer.